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DOE Schedule

The Basics

WHAT?

Appliance and equipment standards specify the minimum energy and/or water efficiency levels of specific products. National standards apply to appliances and equipment manufactured or imported for sale into the U.S. while state standards apply to products sold or installed in a given state. Most of the products now covered by national standards were first subject to state standards. For example, California, New York and Florida refrigerator standards in the 70’s and 80’s were the basis of and a catalyst for the 1987 national refrigerator standards.

WHO?

National standards are set either by Congress or the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When Congress establishes a standard by law, DOE is charged with reviewing and updating it periodically.

State standards are set by legislatures or state agencies. For example, in New York, the state legislature has directed the New York Department of State in consultation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop standards. In California, the state Energy Commission develops and adopts new standards. In most other states, legislatures set standards by statute.

Within the last decade, more than a dozen states have set standards for products ranging from DVD players to swimming pool pumps to water dispensers. Historically, California has taken the lead in setting state standards with several other states following suit. Since 2001, Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington have each passed several rounds of state standards. Click here for more details on state standards.

WHEN?

Congress, DOE, and the courts (when involved) determine when standards are set and when they become effective. All national standards must be reviewed periodically by DOE. Click for a look at the DOE schedule by product or by date.

HOW?

Standards adopted by Congress are often based on agreements between industry and efficiency proponents. Standards set by DOE go through a public rulemaking process. DOE publishes notices, conducts analyses, and holds hearings which are accessible to the public and open for comment. Once a final rule is published, the effective date of the standard is usually within one to five years, most often three years.